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Today's Gossip: Arteta To Replace Wenger; Reds Closing In On Mahrez

Arteta To Pick Up Reins At Emirates Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger could cut short his latest contract and move into the boardroom in the s...

Arteta To Pick Up Reins At EmiratesArsenal boss Arsene Wenger could cut short his latest contract and move into the boardroom in the summer. But if that happens, the Frenchman wants his own man installed as his successor – a plan which won’t be universally welcomed at the Emirates.One of the names in the frame is former Gunner Mikel Arteta, who is impressing as a coach alongside Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.Arteta certainly left a lasting impression with Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis, using some of the money raised in club fines to buy the American a prestigious watch. As official collector of the money from players’ misdemeanours, the ‘present’ came as a surprise to some of Arteta’s team-mates. But Arteta’s organisational skills on and off the training ground have impressed Wenger as he contemplates his future.Despite growing criticism from many Gunners fans, Wenger refused to end his reign last May and instead penned a new two-year deal.Liverpool Closing In On MahrezLeicester ace Mahrez has been repeatedly linked with a move away from the King Power Stadium after their fairytale Premier League title win in 2016. But after Barcelona’s £142million move for Philippe Coutinho, Liverpool have targeted Mahrez as his replacement. And beIN Sports claim the Algerian international will undergo a medical with the Reds on Sunday. Mahrez will be hoping to slot straight into Jurgen Klopp's ‘Fab Four’ which also includes Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.Liverpool have already completed their first bit of business this transfer window by signing Virgil van Dijk from Southampton for £75m.And if secure Mahrez’s services then it would take their winter spending up to £124m.In Other NewsThe Reds are prepared to move quickly to fill the void left by Philippe Coutinho's departure, with Monaco's 22-year-old winger Thomas Lemar top of their wanted list. (Liverpool Echo)Manchester City are set to put in a £25m bid for Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez, 29, but that move could put an end to their interest in Real Sociedad defender Inigo Martinez, 25. (Sunday Mirror)City are keen on a move for Leicester's England defender Harry Maguire, 24, and could offer £50m to the Foxes for the former Hull City centre-back. (Sun on Sunday)Manchester United are set to step up their attempt to bring Gareth Bale, 28, from Real Madrid to Old Trafford before the end of the transfer window. (Sunday Express)Arsenal are close to agreeing a £25m deal for West Brom and Northern Ireland centre-back Jonny Evans, 30. (Sun on Sunday)Manager Mauricio Pellegrino says Southampton hope to re-sign Arsenal and England winger Theo Walcott, 28. (ESPN)Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger could cut short his latest contract and move into the boardroom in the summer - and the 68-year-old Frenchman wants Gunners coach Mikel Arteta as his replacement. (Sunday Mirror)Derby manager Gary Rowett, 43, and Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill, 65, head Stoke's list to replace Mark Hughes. (Stoke Sentinel)Bayern Munich boss Jupp Heynckes has ruled out selling 30-year-old midfielder Arturo Vidal to Chelsea in the January transfer window. (Mail on Sunday)Jese Rodriguez, 24, is close to signing for his hometown club of Las Palmas. The Spanish forward is currently on loan at Stoke from Paris St-Germain. (AS - in Spanish)Juventus chief executive Giuseppe Marotta says the Italian champions have no intention of parting company with 24-year-old Argentine forward Paulo Dybala. (Football Italia)Manchester United will not face any competition from Chelsea for 26-year-old Alex Sandro should they make a move for the Juventus defender. (Calciomercato.com, via Manchester Evening News)Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe expects 29-year-old striker Lewis Grabban to depart during the transfer window. (Bournemouth Echo)Bolton want £4m for 18-year-old keeper Jake Turner despite him not starting a first-team game. (Sun on Sunday)Plymouth Argyle midfielder Toumani Diagouraga, 30, is set to sign for League One rivals Fleetwood Town. (Plymouth Herald)Leeds United head coach Thomas Christiansen says the Whites have enough firepower in attack and he is "satisfied" with what he has during this transfer window. (Yorkshire Evening Post)Fleetwood Town goalkeeper Chris Neal earned himself a year's supply of pizza after keeping a clean sheet against Leicester in the FA Cup. (BBC Sport)Eight-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt, 31, says he has held talks with former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson about the prospect of playing for the Old Trafford club. (Sunday Express)Former Germany, Arsenal and Bayern Munich star Lukas Podolski has unveiled his new project - a kebab restaurant in his home city of Cologne. (Mail on Sunday)